Hail can be very destructive to homes, especially if you live in problematic areas of the country. If you have a good
home insurance policy, you may have coverage for hail damage. In certain instances, however, this coverage may be restricted or limited. Read on to learn whether your home insurance policy will cover hail damage.
Typical Hail Insurance Policy
Homeowners insurance usually covers hail damage, but the coverage will generally vary based on where you live. Since hail is a more common occurrence in certain parts of the country, insurance providers are more likely to include restrictions for homeowners living in these areas.
In almost every instance, it’s very important for policyholders to file quickly when their home incurs damage from hail. It’s best to take photos of the damage, not just to your home, but to any surrounding areas.
Avoid making any needless repairs before reaching out to your insurer. That said, you can take steps to make any critical temporary repairs that may result in continued damage if left unattended.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies require you to file a claim within 12 months of determining that hail has damaged your
roof or other portions of your house. That said, it’s best to contact your insurer to verify the time limit for any claims.
In states where hail is less frequent, a policy will usuallyinclude hail damage to a home’s roof as part of standard protection coverage. After a destructive storm, homeowners can file an insurance claim, pay their deductible, and then the insurance company will pay to fix any damage.
When determining whether to file an insurance claim, be sure the insurance payment will exceed your deductible enough to make financial sense. For example, if your home sustains $3,000 worth of damage and your insurance deductible is $2,000, it might not be in your best interest to file a claim. This is because filing a home insurance claim often leads to higher rates. Ultimately, you could pay more by filing a claim than you would by simply paying for the hail damage out of pocket.
Restrictions and Exceptions
In regions where hailstorms occur more often (such as Colorado, for instance), insurers are more likely to restrict hail coverage or increase the cost of their insurance policies to reflect the increased risk.
The area in the United States most traditionally susceptible to hail damage is known as “hail alley.” It is located around where the borders of Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska meet. If you live in one of these areas, check your policy for possible restrictions.
In regions disproportionately impacted by hail, insurance policies may incorporate cosmetic exclusions for coverage. In these instances, if the hail damage is considered cosmetic and doesn’t affect the function of a house, you won’t be eligible for coverage.
With that said, the line between functional and cosmetic is often uncertain. For example, what may start as a minor dent in your
siding or roof could ultimately evolve into more serious structural problems. What’s more, so-called cosmetic hail damage can impact property value, forcing homeowners to sell their homes at a lower price. With this in mind, it’s always important to check your policy for cosmetic limitations or exclusions related to wind and hail coverage.
If your insurance policy has a strict cosmetic exclusion, consider seeking coverage from a provider that will waive the exclusion. You could also ask them to remove the exclusion in exchange for a higher monthly premium.
If you find yourself in a dispute with your insurer over whether hail damage is functional or cosmetic, you can hire a public adjuster to look into the claim. The adjuster will help decide whether the policy exclusion should apply to your specific claim, although you will have to pay fees for the process.
Founded more than two decades ago, National Home Improvement assists Colorado homeowners with a wide array of home repair and improvement projects. Dedicated to consistency, quality and integrity, our seasoned experts will work with you every step of the way to turn your boldest vision into a beautiful reality.
For more on hail damage, be sure to read our blog:
Top 3 Hail-Resistant Roofing Options.
